Merz: freedom is no longer a given
World
Germany’s chancellor warned at the Munich Security Conference that the old world order is collapsing, and Europe must act decisively to safeguard freedom.
At the opening of the Munich Security Conference, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the post-World War II world order “no longer exists.” He emphasized that European countries must completely rethink their approach to security and self-defense.
Merz noted that the unipolar era of U.S. global leadership has ended, and a new world order based on great-power competition threatens even the strongest nations. He called for strengthened European resolve to protect freedom and stability.
The chancellor also addressed the “uncomfortable truth” about transatlantic relations, noting a growing divide between the U.S. and Europe, while Europe continues to uphold democratic values, free trade, climate agreements, and international cooperation.
Special attention was given to Ukraine. Merz highlighted that Europe has taken a leading role in supporting Kyiv and containing Moscow. Russia is not yet ready for serious dialogue, and the war will continue until Russia is economically—and possibly militarily—exhausted.
Merz warned that freedom can no longer be taken for granted. “Our military, political, economic, and technological potential is enormous, yet we have long underutilized it. In the era of great powers, our freedom is no longer guaranteed,” he said, urging determination and firmness to defend European values.
Merz noted that the unipolar era of U.S. global leadership has ended, and a new world order based on great-power competition threatens even the strongest nations. He called for strengthened European resolve to protect freedom and stability.
The chancellor also addressed the “uncomfortable truth” about transatlantic relations, noting a growing divide between the U.S. and Europe, while Europe continues to uphold democratic values, free trade, climate agreements, and international cooperation.
Special attention was given to Ukraine. Merz highlighted that Europe has taken a leading role in supporting Kyiv and containing Moscow. Russia is not yet ready for serious dialogue, and the war will continue until Russia is economically—and possibly militarily—exhausted.
Merz warned that freedom can no longer be taken for granted. “Our military, political, economic, and technological potential is enormous, yet we have long underutilized it. In the era of great powers, our freedom is no longer guaranteed,” he said, urging determination and firmness to defend European values.
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